How Digital is Set to Revolutionize the Healthcare Industry

Updated on January 13, 2021

 Digital transformation is a common phrase used in business circles to describe the positive impact of technology adoption. When it’s done right, introducing technology to business strategy and operations can allow for increased productivity, a greater customer focus and enhanced security – three benefits UK healthcare is crying out for.   

Dell Technologies’ Digital Transformation Index found that the UK ranks only 19th out of 42 countries across for globe for digital maturity. But with the NHS’ Long Term Plan now outlined there are positive signs of change.

Here are five key digital trends to look out for in the healthcare sector. 

Big data

Big data has been a buzzphrase in the marketing world for some time now, yet its perhaps healthcare where its potential is greatest. In this context the term describes the vast amounts of useful patient data that can be analysed by bespoke systems to reduce human error, facilitate preventative care, and drive more efficient and accurate staffing levels. 

The software itself is ready – but implementing it across such a huge industry is bound to take time. 

Wearable medical devices

Similar to smart watches, wearable medical devices can be used to record and collect personalised data and alert the user of any underlying health issues. It’s a more dynamic approach than booking check-ups in yearly intervals, for example, and popular options include heartrate sensors, fitness trackers and sweat meters.

Smart manufacturing in this field is only likely to improve as companies look to set themselves apart from their competition.     

Healthcare on demand

From TV to travel and even food delivery, many technological disruptors have changed our expectations around service delivery and convenience in the past decade or so. On-demand healthcare is fast becoming a priority as patients increasingly rely on their smartphones to help manage their hectic schedules. 

From booking medical appointments to holding virtual appointments and finding healthcare freelancers, the future is on demand. 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another digital trend that is finally beginning to demonstrate its power. Japanese and now American healthcare organisations are employing nurse robots to assist their human colleagues, while chatbots are providing smarter customer service and diagnosis functions than ever before. 

AI is also expected to speed up drug development while generating significant cost savings.  

Blockchain

There have been several high-profile failings in recent years with regards to public health records and their storage and security. Logging information manually is a sizeable task after all – but the digital lender Blockchain is expected to tighten things up while increasing efficiency between patients, suppliers and insurance companies alike. 

Whether you’re an overstretched healthcare professional or an exasperated patient, these five digital trends all have the potential to transform the way the healthcare industry operates. Which do you put the most faith in?  

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Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.